Skylight Leak Repair Guide
Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home but they require maintenance and eventually repairs. When you spot a leak or see ceiling stains the first thing you should do is contact a professional roofing company. Fix the issue now before it becomes a real problem.
In this blog, we will cover the types of skylight repairs and the signs when it's time to replace the skylight.
Types of Skylight Repairs
At Blue Sky Roofing we are trained to identify the main cause of the problem and deliver a long-term solution. Below are the most common types of skylight repairs we perform:
1. Degraded Gaskets and Seals
The rubber or foam seals around the glass weaken over time due to sun and weather exposure.
- The Problem: Degraded seals are the most common cause of condensation between the glass panes and minor water leaks.
- The Fix: Depending on the extent of the damage, we will repair the entire sealed glass unit or carefully replace the surrounding gaskets to restore efficiency and watertightness.
2. Damaged Glass/Dome
Hail and falling debris can break the glass or acrylic dome of your skylight, leading to leaks.
- The Problem: Cracks allow water to enter your attic or living space.
- The Fix: The broken dome is carefully removed and replaced with a new one.
3. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is metal (or other material) installed at vulnerable roof transitions, like where a roof meets a wall, chimney, vent, or skylight to create a watertight seal, redirect water away, and prevent leaks and structural damage.
- The Problem: Poorly installed or damaged flashing is another leading cause of leaks.
- The Fix: Removing roofing system around the affected area, fixing broken or missing flashing, and resealing the area before securely reinstalling new roofing materials.
When is it Time to Replace a Skylight?
Repairs are not always the best solution. We recommend a complete skylight replacement if you encounter any of the following:
- Age: Your skylight is 10-15 years or older.
- Extensive Leak Damage: If a leak has caused extensive damage to the wooden frame, surrounding drywall, or roofing deck.
- Obsolete Model: If the model is so outdated that replacement glass or parts are no longer accessible.
PRO TIP: Don't just repair the leak! A malfunctioning skylight usually indicates that the surrounding roof materials have reached their limit. If you're considering a full roof replacement, make sure to replace your skylights too. This "resets the clock" on your entire system, preventing costly future repairs.
Schedule a Free Skylight Repair Cost Estimate.
Contact us today to book a free, no-obligation skylight repair cost estimate and guarantee that your skylight continues to provide lovely, natural light into your home—without leaks!